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Aston Martin DBS crashes in Middletown, driver faces drugs charge

A 2012 Aston Martin DBS was destroyed in a late-night crash in Middletown, New Jersey, with the 39-year-old driver hospitalised and charged with cocaine possession.

By Steve James Updated
2012 Aston Martin DBS
2012 Aston Martin DBS Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A 2012 Aston Martin DBS was destroyed in a crash in Middletown, New Jersey, after the driver lost control and struck a tree in the early hours of the morning. The incident took place at around 1am, with local reports stating that the 39-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol and found in possession of cocaine.

Emergency services transported the driver to hospital with serious injuries. Police charged him with possession of cocaine at the scene. The condition of the driver following hospitalisation was not disclosed in the initial reports.

High-performance car destroyed

The Aston Martin DBS involved was a 2012 model, part of the marque’s flagship supercar line at the time. Powered by a 5.9-litre V12 producing 510hp, the DBS could accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just over four seconds and was capable of 191mph. The car’s rear-wheel-drive layout and substantial power demand a high level of driver skill, especially in poor conditions or at night.

The crash left the car a total loss. Photographs from the scene show severe damage to the front and sides, with the impact centred on the driver’s side after hitting the tree. The force of the collision destroyed much of the car’s aluminium and carbon fibre structure.

The combination of alcohol and cocaine, as reported by police, led to criminal charges for the driver. In New Jersey, driving under the influence and drug possession both carry severe penalties, including fines, loss of licence and possible imprisonment. Insurance companies typically refuse to pay out for damage sustained while driving under the influence, leaving the owner liable for the full value of the car. With the DBS valued well into six figures, the financial impact is substantial.

DBS in context: rarity and value

The Aston Martin DBS is a rare sight on US roads, with limited numbers imported during its production run. As a high-value, low-volume supercar, each loss is notable among collectors and enthusiasts. The DBS’s blend of classic proportions and modern performance made it a flagship for Aston Martin until the arrival of the next-generation Vanquish. For details on a separate major DBS crash in New Jersey, seeAston Martin DBS destroyed in head-on collision in New Jersey.

No other vehicles were reported to be involved in the Middletown crash. The incident highlights both the risks of high-performance driving and the consequences of impaired driving, especially in a car with the capabilities of the DBS.

2012 Aston Martin DBS
A 2012 Aston Martin DBS like the one destroyed in the Middletown crash.

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